HELP! Cramping, bleeding, and clots in early pregnancy? Via

So, I hope I can be as succinct about this as possible, so I'll just present the facts: my LMP was 11/12/13, however I know for a fact that I ovulated late, because I've been testing consistently and last weekend my tests were still negative, but no Aunt Flow (my cycles usually run longer than 30ish days, anyway). A little after midnight on Christmas Day, I took a FR and it was faintly positive. A second test later that morning was also positive, but two CB digitals I took that day and the next were both negative. Some other mom friends of mine reassured me that this may be due too low of an hCG level to pick up. This is what the second FR looked like Christmas Day:

Later, Christmas night, I started cramping mildly--which seemed different than my first two pregnancies. I felt reassured by the idea that perhaps things were just "settling". However, the next day (the 26th), the cramping got worse, along with some spotting. I also developed lower backaches. By that night, I had bright red bleeding with some clots (and one larger one I passed later in the ER).

I went in to the ER about 7 pm that night (which I was hesitant to, being an ED nurse, myself...) A pelvic exam revealed that my cervix was dilated to a 1/1.5, and that there was blood (but no tissue) in the canal. My blood hCG was only 18--too low for anything to be seen on ultrasound. While they did perform one, nothing was visualized, and the PA stated hCG levels generally have to be above 50. Both the PA and the nurse seemed very sympathetic and made me feel like it was okay to grieve even an early loss. I went home, heartbroken, and cried a lot. I've had two pregnancies and have two very happy little boys at home, and so this is all new to me. I've never even spotted in pregnancy, and for the most part, both were uneventful. I didn't even plan on doing a f/u hCG, because I assumed the worst...until I spoke to a couple friends last night who restored some faith--that they had experiences with cramping and bleeding, and had happy endings.

I ended up picking up a couple more tests tonight (at the sympathy of my sweet, wonderful husband), to include another CB digital that has a "weeks" indicator. I was hesitant about the digital again, since my hCG was too low to pick up last time, and knowing that my levels were only 18 the night before. These were my results early this morning:

And a second close-up of the FR:

Naturally, I am so excited! Not only did the digital come up positive, but the line on the FR is so much darker! It gives me some hope. I have to work a shift today, and think I will have them draw my hCG again when I get off, to see if the level has risen.

Can anyone offer some insight? Opinion? Had similar experiences? According to my LMP, I should be 6 weeks--but I know I'm much earlier than that. The CB weeks indicator says 1-2, which means 1-2 weeks since ovulation, per the pamphlet. According to it, it says docs would place the pregnancy at 3-4 weeks...

I've also been nauseated most of the day, my b**bs are still achy, and despite having almost 10 hours of sleep the night before, I *had* to have almost a 3 hour nap today. I may be in denial, but I just hope that I can find someone with similar experiences. I wouldn't have been so alarmed had the cramping not been as bad as it was, and I literally had like "globs" of mucous and blood, which was just so alarming to me, and gave me bad vibes.

I'm just happy to think there may be a ray of hope, when literally--12 hours ago--I was crying over what I had understood was a very likely miscarriage. The PA did say, however, that I was either too early--or that I was miscarrying.

Im so sorry you are going through this. I know it must be confusing and devastated.

Although I am not sure if you are having a miscarriage or just a threatened abortion, I would just like to share my experience with you, to provide a little hope before you know for sure what is going on. I bled and cramped on three separate occasions in my first trimester. The third time I did it, it lasted a few hours and was heavy enough to go through my jeans. It was terrifying, but after going to the ER twice already before the from the same thing, I decided to just wait it out and whatever was meant to be, would be. Luckily, it was nothing, but I was such a mess until I knew for sure...it sure is scary though. :(

Were they not able to pick up any heartbeat at all?

Im sorry I couldnt be of more help, seeing as you had no replies. I just would like to wish you well and I hope everything is okay.

I had bleeding, spotting plus clots, and cramping with ds2. I actually lost a pretty large clot and thought I had for sure miscarried. I definitely did not miscarry and went on to have a healthy full term pregnancy. I hope it's the same for you! Those positives after clotting are pretty dark considering your numbers were around 18 at the hospital. If it were me I'd wait a couple of days and then test again

Quoting Bad Things:
Im so sorry you are going through this. I know it must be confusing and devastated.

Although I am not sure if you are having a miscarriage or just a threatened abortion, I would just like to share my experience with you, to provide a little hope before you know for sure what is going on. I bled and cramped on three separate occasions in my first trimester. The third time I did it, it lasted a few hours and was heavy enough to go through my jeans. It was terrifying, but after going to the ER twice already before the from the same thing, I decided to just wait it out and whatever was meant to be, would be. Luckily, it was nothing, but I was such a mess until I knew for sure...it sure is scary though. :(

Were they not able to pick up any heartbeat at all?

Im sorry I couldnt be of more help, seeing as you had no replies. I just would like to wish you well and I hope everything is okay.

Thank you so much for the response and concern! It really does mean a lot, especially when I've never experienced this in prior pregnancies, and feel like I've been through an emotional wringer the past couple of days. The anticipation is driving me insane :(

To answer your question, no, they couldn't visualize anything on the ultrasound. The PA said that if I was as early as she suspected, that they wouldn't be able to, and that usually only hCGs of 50 or higher show anything on US. Then again, they didn't do a transvaginal, so maybe I can request that with my docs at work later tonight after my shift (and, honestly, I'm not even sure if they offer that at my small hospital...surely, they must, lol...) Anyway, I walked away from the ER certain that I must be miscarrying, because nothing that they said seemed too reassuring. To me, any bleeding in pregnancy was an indication of something bad, but perhaps this one is different than my others?

It was definitely a reassurance and morale booster to see that stronger FR result, and to actually get a positive on the digital. The ultrasound tech said that based on my levels, he thought I was perhaps 7-10 days past ovulation. I'm still having some difficulty understanding the entire timeline of my own menses, ovulation, and then the dynamics of implantation, etc...which is a bit embarrassing as an RN, but it's not my specialty, either, lol.

It means a lot to me for a multitude of reasons. My husband just got back from a year tour in Korea on 11/14--two days after I started my last period. It's not that we can't try again, but that we were both so excited to be expecting. I put it on FB (stupidly, in retrospect) on Christmas Day, not even considering that I could possibly lose the pregnancy. Sigh.

My two sons are from a prior (awful) marriage, and their sperm donor has had nothing to do with them and is going to sign over his rights. They are 5 and 2.5. My husband is the only dad they know of, and to see him with the boys (and his girls who are 7 and 9) has lit a fire in me to share the experience together. I don't know what it's like to have a man be there, from the beginning, and care...I want THIS baby, even though--should it not be viable--we can always try again.

I am very confused and sad....but, now, a bit hopeful. The bleeding is worrying me, but hopefully I can get some answers tonight.

Quoting Sarah & JT:
I had bleeding, spotting plus clots, and cramping with ds2. I actually lost a pretty large clot and thought I had for sure miscarried. I definitely did not miscarry and went on to have a healthy full term pregnancy. I hope it's the same for you! Those positives after clotting are pretty dark considering your numbers were around 18 at the hospital. If it were me I'd wait a couple of days and then test again

Thanks so much! Boosting my morale a bit :) I've been kind of like a drone for the past day or so, and I'm just thankful for the respite--even if it turns out to be less than ideal in the end.

That is so sad! I really hope it's just one of those things. I got a transvaginal at the ER. It will really put your mind at ease if you can get that done soon. I wish they could pick up the heartbeat sooner!

Quoting evansmum:
Thanks guys. I'm at work now, and have about 5 hours left in my shift. Hoping that I can clock out a little early to sign in to start everything!

Ive been having some suprapubic cramping and still have slight bleeding--but just a little to stain my pad. Had a couple tiny clots when I went to the bathroom earlier.

Im just holding my breath and hoping for the best--and I am definitely requesting a transvaginal if my hcg levels are higher. I hope I can see a heartbeat.

im so anxious and worried! Luckily it's been a relatively good day in the ER so at least work isn't stressing me out, lol.

Thats all that can be done now, sadly. :/

When are you planning on visiting your ob?

If you don't mind, could you update us on this post? Ill keep it in my watched topics. Really hoping for the best. Hopefully the blood is just from LO making herself comfortable in there! Fingers crossed!

I'm so sorry :( I know that no words I tell you will help right now. ((hugs))

Thanks a lot, hun. Your words actually mean a lot! I'm just frustrated. Friends are like, shouldn't your levels be going down if it's not viable? I am cramping, but not bleeding nearly the way I think I should be. Today was 1/4 consecutive shifts, and honestly--while I love my job--the last thing I want to be doing while waiting to pass this is take care of other people. Hopefully next month is better :(